In the light of day, it was nothing remarkable. Closely packed driveways each leading to a carport, a repeating pattern which seemed to go on forever, pierced by the sun only when it was straight up in the sky. On Tuesdays, the trash bins moved from their slots under the carports to the tall, wood slat fence directly opposite where the trash collectors could easily dump the contents.

In summer, the black asphalt reached a temperature so hot by midday heat waves formed mini mirages of water puddles down the length of the alley. Cracks gave way to the occasional dandelion, a temporary yellow dot in a sea of black and brown. Jacaranda trees evenly interspersed, growing on the other side of the fence spread their branches over the narrow space providing occasional lacy spots of shade.

It was here under their lush purple blooms of spring their first kiss was shared. Gentle, tender, and full of promise. Her lips were full and inviting, beckoning his own closer and closer. Eyes as blue as the ocean’s depths sparkled when they looked into his own. Hair as black as a raven and skin so white, he had thought his heart would burst from the need that consumed him.

That spring seemed a lifetime ago. A lifetime during which the only thing he’d cared about had been taken from him. His soul had been stripped away not once, but twice in this seemingly unremarkable alley, beneath the Jacaranda where her life’s blood and the very essence of his soul stained the asphalt. He would not return again.

Thanks for stopping by. I know, I should have reread it more thoroughly. I hate when I do that. I was panicked about making it by the deadline, and I didn’t give it the attention it deserved. My first one though, so next time, I’ll be more careful. Thanks for pointing out the flaws. Always good to have a crit!

Thanks so much for linking up with Trifecta` this week. Welcome to the challenge! And way to enter with a bang. I really enjoyed this piece, particularly the first two thirds of it. Your descriptions were so powerful and so lovely, it was impossible to not be transported to the alley. I grew up in Florida, and these descriptions felt very “Florida” to me. Beautiful. Hope to see you back again for the weekend prompt (which is posted on Friday and has some different rules).